Sir Alex Ferguson pledge to youth

Over the years we’ve been as good as anyone in the country and probably the best at doing that

Sir Alex Ferguson

The Spanish champions are famed for bringing the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta through their La Masia facility.

And Fergie believes United can also be proud of the number of stars developed at Carrington in recent seasons.

He said: “Over the years we’ve been as good as anyone in the country and probably the best at doing that.

“You look at the way Barcelona have produced players and we’re not far off that.

“We’ve had so many come through down the years and more recently we’ve had the likes of Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Rafael come into the first team.

“Then you’ve got players like Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jesse Lingard and Michael and Will Keane, who are all part of a successful youth team.

“They are progressing very well.

“So we’re good at developing young players and we enjoy seeing them come into the first-team squad.”

Meanwhile, United winger Robbie Brady, 20, has been drafted into the Republic of Ireland squad, after Kevin Doyle was forced to withdraw through injury.

The midfielder, who made his senior international debut in the 4-1 friendly victory over Oman last month, will join up with the squad on Monday, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Germany and the Faroe Islands.

Manager Giovanni Trapattoni turned to Brady after Doyle suffered a muscle injury in training with his club Wolves.